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OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Revisions to Omaha Public Schools' standards-based grading policy may be on the way after a new survey showed that teachers are not happy with the system.
The Omaha World-Herald (http://bit.ly/16FBmg1 ) reports that school officials gathered Wednesday to review the results of a faculty and staff survey gauging their feelings about the grading system that was put in place five years ago.
The online survey conducted in December showed that less than 40 percent of surveyed teachers believe that the grades given do not reflect a students' understanding of the subject matter. And less than half of all teachers believe their students have a complete understanding of the grading policy.
"As a parent, it was very confusing. I can't really say how I really understood it, even being an overly active parent," said school board vice president Yolanda Williams.
Currently students are graded on a 0-to-4 scale that places more emphasis on large projects and tests, and less on homework and class participation. But according to the newspaper, district officials are concerned that some students have learned to manipulate the system and get by with minimal work.
"I've heard from kids that have a B and don't submit the last five assignments because they know their B will hold," Board member Marque Snow said at Wednesday's meeting.
District officials on Wednesday said they will review whether the grading policy is the best option for the school system.
"It's time to roll up our sleeves and tackle this," said Assistant Superintendent ReNae Kehrberg.
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Information from: Omaha World-Herald, http://www.omaha.com
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